RAWALPINDI: A private aircraft with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari on board skidded off the runway after landing at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport on Sunday night due to hydraulic brake failure.

However, all passengers, including the PPP chairman and the crew, remained unhurt. The runway was temporarily closed.

According to sources, the incident happened when the private jet G-200 landed at the old BBIA at 8.35pm. As the plane landed, it skidded off the runway.

The emergency ground staff rushed to the plane and safely brought out all passengers and crew.

Since the new Islamabad International Airport has been made operational, the BBI airport is being used only for VVIP and VIP movements due to security reasons.

PPP chairperson’s spokesman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar confirmed the incident and said that Mr Bilawal remained safe.

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2019